Effortless Italian Comfort: The Ultimate Slow Cooker Stuffed Shells Recipe
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Slow Cooker Stuffed Shells
Julia Pacheco
15 minutes
5 hours
5 hours 15 minutes
5 servings
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Why You’ll Love These Slow Cooker Stuffed Shells
Imagine a hearty Italian dinner that comes together with minimal effort, allowing your slow cooker to do all the heavy lifting. That’s exactly what you get with this incredible Slow Cooker Stuffed Shells recipe! It’s the perfect dish for busy weeknights, meal prepping, or when you just crave comforting, cheesy pasta without the fuss. The jumbo pasta shells are generously filled with a creamy, seasoned ricotta and spinach mixture, then nestled in rich marinara sauce and cooked until tender and bubbly. The result is a deeply flavorful, satisfying meal that tastes like it took hours, but only requires about 15 minutes of active prep time. Get ready to add this easy, cheesy, and utterly delicious recipe to your rotation!
Ingredients
Gathering your ingredients is the first step to creating this delightful slow cooker meal. Using fresh, quality components will make all the difference in the final flavor. Here’s what you’ll need for these irresistible stuffed shells:
- 22 oz ricotta cheese
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese, divided
- ⅓ cup parmesan cheese
- 4 cups fresh spinach, chopped small
- 2 eggs
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp pepper
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 36 oz marinara sauce, divided
- 19-23 jumbo pasta shells
Instructions
Follow these simple steps to create a show-stopping Slow Cooker Stuffed Shells dinner that’s bursting with flavor and incredibly easy to prepare:
- Prepare the Cheesy Filling: In a spacious medium-sized bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, ¾ cup of the mozzarella cheese (the remaining mozzarella will be used later), grated Parmesan cheese, finely chopped fresh spinach, eggs, salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, and onion powder. Mix all these ingredients thoroughly until they are well incorporated and the spinach is evenly distributed throughout the creamy cheese mixture. This ensures every bite of your stuffed shells will be bursting with flavor.
- Fill the Shells Efficiently: Carefully transfer the prepared ricotta and spinach mixture into a large gallon-sized ziplock bag. Before sealing, gently push the mixture towards one corner of the bag. Snip a small corner off the bottom of the bag (about a ½-inch opening). This creates a makeshift piping bag, making it incredibly easy and neat to generously fill each jumbo pasta shell. This method saves time and mess compared to using a spoon.
- Assemble and Slow Cook: Begin by spreading approximately 12 ounces of marinara sauce evenly across the bottom of your large slow cooker. This layer prevents the shells from sticking and infuses the bottom with flavor. Now, using your piping bag, generously fill each jumbo pasta shell with the creamy cheese mixture. Arrange the filled shells carefully in a single layer (or two, if space requires and your slow cooker is large enough), ensuring they are facing upwards to keep the filling secure. Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the stuffed shells, ensuring they are mostly covered. Finally, sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese over the top for that irresistible golden-brown crust. Cover your slow cooker and cook on the LOW setting for 5-6 hours. It’s crucial to check on the shells towards the end of the cooking time; you want them tender but not mushy, and the cheese melted and bubbly. Overcooking can lead to soft pasta, while undercooking will result in firm shells. Enjoy this delightful, easy Italian meal!
Tips for Perfect Slow Cooker Stuffed Shells
- Don’t Overcook Pasta: While some recipes suggest cooking pasta al dente before slow cooking, these jumbo shells typically soften perfectly in the sauce. If you prefer, boil them for 2-3 minutes less than package directions to ensure they hold up well in the slow cooker.
- Choose a Quality Marinara: A good marinara sauce makes a huge difference. Use your favorite jarred brand or homemade for the best flavor.
- Customize Your Filling: Feel free to add cooked ground beef or Italian sausage to the ricotta mixture for a meatier dish. Just be sure to brown the meat before mixing.
- Prevent Sticking: Always start with a layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of your slow cooker. This not only adds flavor but also prevents the pasta from sticking to the pot.
- Watch the Cook Time: Slow cookers vary, so keep an eye on your shells towards the 5-hour mark. You want the pasta to be tender and the cheese melted and bubbly, but not mushy.
- Use a Piping Bag: This is a game-changer for filling shells quickly and neatly. A ziplock bag with a corner snipped off works perfectly.
Variations & Substitutions
This slow cooker stuffed shells recipe is wonderfully versatile! Feel free to experiment with these ideas to suit your taste or what you have on hand:
- Add Meat: For a heartier meal, brown 1 lb of ground beef or Italian sausage and mix it into the ricotta filling along with the other ingredients.
- Different Greens: If spinach isn’t your favorite, kale (chopped very finely) or even a mixed greens blend can work. Ensure any tough greens are pre-steamed or sautéed lightly.
- Cheese Swaps: While ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan are classic, you can try adding a touch of provolone or fontina for different flavor profiles. A sprinkle of asiago can also be delicious.
- Spicy Kick: For those who love a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the ricotta mixture or directly into the marinara sauce.
- Vegetable Boost: Sauté finely diced bell peppers, onions, or mushrooms and add them to the sauce for extra vegetables and flavor.
- Creamier Sauce: Stir a tablespoon or two of cream cheese or a splash of heavy cream into your marinara sauce for an even richer, creamier finish.
What to Serve with Stuffed Shells
These Slow Cooker Stuffed Shells are a meal in themselves, but they pair wonderfully with a few simple sides to complete your Italian feast:
- A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette.
- Crusty garlic bread or a baguette for soaking up the delicious sauce.
- Steamed or roasted vegetables like broccoli, asparagus, or green beans.
- A simple side of sautéed zucchini or cherry tomatoes.
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Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.